ITTF and USATT Hopes Programs Vision
The number one goal with the International Table Tennis Federation (ITTF) Hopes project is to encourage national associations, not only to start with proper talent identification, but also to promote and work with young talented players as an asset for future success and growth. The ITTF Education and Training department should be there to provide expert guidance, some serious and appealing incentives and follow up with education for coaches.

The ITTF vision is to establish and operate Global Talent Identification with strong links to up and coming coaches looking for international recognition. The ITTF role is also to actively promote talented athletes with ITTF partners in the Youth Olympic Movement, National Olympic Committees and the International Olympic Committee.

The introduction of a Global Talent Identification program; the ITTF Hopes, enables the ITTF to become pro-active in the fields of talent scouting and open up an ally to promote quality coaching aspects for the benefit of young players. The ITTF Hopes program is designed to engage and motivate national associations to work hand in hand with young talents and their coaches and embark onto the road of excellence. The Hopes activities/events will be monitored from a quality standpoint and shall at all times reinforce educational elements focusing on proper coaching, innovations and support the growth and well being of the game itself.

ITTF Hopes Week
Each year 40 Girls and 40 Boys, aged 11-12 years old, are selected from all over the world to attend the ITTF Hopes Week. Hopes Week includes training supervised by international coaches and a tournament on the last day.

ITTF Hopes Team
After Hopes Week is completed the coaches select 4 players for the ITTF Hopes Team. The ITTF Hopes Team travels together for international training and competition including playing as a team at the ITTF World Cadet Challenge. They also have the honor of wearing the coveted ITTF Hope Team Shirt!

USATT Hopes Program Vision
The USATT Hopes Program vision is to also identify young players that have developed solid mental, technical and physical skills and provide educational and training opportunities to them. In addition, the vision also includes important educational opportunities for their coaches and parents.

Details:

The 2013 selection deadline is March 31, 2013 to nominate 4 boys and 4 girls to attend the North American Hopes Tournament at the ITTF North American Cup (April 20-21 in Westchester, NY). The boy and girl who finish highest in this event will have the right to be nominated for the World Hopes Challenge, June 9-16, 2013 in Schwehat, Austria. Because of this very short period a modified selection process will be adopted. Selection for this year will be decided by the USATT Junior Advisory Committee with input from the USA National Coaches. Only players born in 2001 and 2002 are eligible.